ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

Illegal wildlife trade is one of the world's top 4 largest illegal activities, alongside drugs, weapons and human trafficking. It is estimated to be worth around $23 billion a year.

From twisted culinary experience, egocentric trophy hunting, to the falsehood of illegal Chinese medicine, wildlife is being brutally abused, biodiversity is being depleted, and men and women of the frontline are risking their lives and the lives of their families every day.

Rhino horn is the most sought-after commodity in the world, and the prices on the black market are reaching astronomical levels. Rhino horns are being used in the illegal Chinese medicine as a false ''miracle'' substance or sold as a hangover cure. Rhino horns are made of keratin and are basically the same as human fingernails.

HONORING THE HERO

Anton Mzimba was the Head of Ranger Services at the Timbavati, Technical Advisor to GCC, and RHINO MAN's biggest champion. He dedicated every aspect of his life to the protection and conservation of South African wildlife.

On the evening of July 26th, 2022, as the film was coming to completion, Anton was brutally murdered at his home in front of his family. To say we were heartbroken is an understatement. Anton was not only the hero of our film, but a dear friend to everyone on the team.

He always knew the risks, but when asked, he calmly voiced that the cause was worth it. Like so many other rangers, Anton paid the ultimate price for protecting our planet's future.

As devastating as this moment was, we wish to come together to honour Anton's legacy. Sign his petition for justice, support his children's education, and learn more by clicking the button below.

Our team was honoured to be a part of such an important project.

The UPM Program hosted the Australian premiere of the worldwide launch on the 26th of July, 2024. This Australian premiere took place at the Blue Pacific Room in the Kedron Wavell, RSL, Brisbane, Queensland. However, this launch was followed by other impact screenings hosted by the UPM Program in Australia.

Our team has also been participating in public speaking, school education, media interviews, and film promotion, amongst other activities. This contributes to the overall rise of awareness about the intensity of the Anti-poaching war, a moral boost for the serving men and women, the stories and sacrifices, and the horrors of illegal wildlife trade.